Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Melrose, MN

Sauk River City Park accommodates pets in its riverfront campsites with electric hookups. The park's campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with clean bathroom facilities that include showers. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the camping area and park grounds. Tent campers and RV owners find the park's location convenient, with several spots available along the river. Birch Lake in Birch Lakes State Forest offers more secluded pet-friendly camping with both drive-in and walk-in sites. The forest campground maintains a more rustic experience with pit toilets and no hookups, appealing to campers seeking a natural setting with their pets. Both locations permit camping with dogs year-round, though seasonal closures may apply. The city park remains within walking distance to stores for pet supplies. Several sites near Melrose, Minnesota are featured on The Dyrt.

Hiking trails throughout Birch Lakes State Forest provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, though some trails can become swampy after rain. The forest's quiet, spacious campsites offer privacy for pets that may be reactive to other campers. Sinclair Lewis City Campground in nearby Sauk Centre provides additional pet-friendly options with a lake for swimming and pet recreation. The water remains warm enough for dog swimming during summer months. Cedar Lake Memorial Park and El Rancho Manana also welcome pets with varying amenities. Campers should note that all locations require proper pet waste disposal and adherence to leash policies. The campgrounds typically experience busier conditions on summer weekends and holidays, making weekday visits preferable for those with pets seeking quieter conditions. The fishing pier at Sinclair Lewis provides a popular activity spot for campers and their dogs.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Melrose, Minnesota (73)

    1. Sinclair Lewis City Campground

    14 Reviews
    Melrose, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 352-2203

    "My extended family has gatherings here a couple times a year as it is close to everybody and a great location! "

    "There is a boat launch right next to the campground. A fish cleaning house is provided at the campground. Bathrooms are also located within the campground."

    2. Birch Lake

    10 Reviews
    Melrose, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 616-2525

    $12 / night

    "We really enjoyed staying in the walk-in camp site. It gave us a lot of privacy for our dogs. The only complaint is it does tend to be a bit wet."

    "Birch Lake is Lake Wobegon personified. Fish, swim, canoe, jet ski, you name it. The campsite is located in the Burch State Forest with tons of trees around each site."

    3. Sauk River City Park

    8 Reviews
    Melrose, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 256-4278

    $30 / night

    "Walking distance to stores water and electricity"

    "There was so many goodies and we walked around park. It is right on river nice playground basketball courts walking trails everything you would need. Very nice and well kept!!! :)"

    4. Cedar Lake Memorial Park

    3 Reviews
    Holdingford, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 573-2983

    "Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend"

    "Shallow lake for swimming not a lot of sites"

    5. Saukinac Campground

    2 Reviews
    Osakis, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 352-0037

    6. Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

    20 Reviews
    New London, MN
    27 miles
    Website

    "Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open."

    "Sibley State Park isn't the most amazing park in Minnesota, however it's still a very nice little campground!"

    7. Games Lake County Park

    15 Reviews
    New London, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 354-4453

    "Really happy to be able to see some pictures of this lovely place, enjoying with family and pet is one of the most entertaining experience in life."

    "Games Lake County Park, near New London, Minnesota, is a great spot for camping. With tent, RV, and cabin options, it suits all campers."

    8. El Rancho Manana

    3 Reviews
    Richmond, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 597-2740

    "You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."

    9. Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Carlos, MN
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 852-7200

    "Lots of screaming kids the weekend we were here, but we found the quiet trails. Lower campground offers no privacy, but a newer shower house and views and access to the lake."

    "The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127)."

    10. Camp S'more Campground

    5 Reviews
    Osakis, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 732-2517

    $15 - $40 / night

    "This is a quiet and fairly small but impeccably maintained campground located near the town of Long Prairie. It would be a nice family friendly destination for an easy lical get away."

    "And it’s less than 1/8 mile from the Long Drive in. A great family experience and one of the few left in the state. We went to the Scott co fair during the day and the drive in that night."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Melrose, MN

328 Reviews of 73 Melrose Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2022

    Crow Wing Lake Campground

    Lake spots

    Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account. We noticed goggles charged to ours even though none of the 3 of us bought any. Somebody must've given them the wrong site number to charge to. Overall great campground, but a little spendy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2022

    Outdoors Inn Campground

    Great location next to Chippewa

    Recommended!

    We had a full hookups with 50 amp service. Our site was next to US-12 and had no noise issues. The Chippewa river flows next to the camp and the adjoining river bank is woodlands. We had no insect issues. There is a super dog park and grocery just east on US-12. Found great coffee and scones in Benson at Go Set Ready Coffee.

    Our site had a great camp fire pit made from a half sphere about 40 inches in diameter. Looked like the bottom of a buoy or end of a 250 lbs propane tank. The proprietor is an arborist and sold us a large bundle of hard wood that made great smores.

    We picked Benson because of its close location to Glacial Lake state park and the Glacial Ridge Trail. Just take MN-29 north.  The topology change in terrain from the farm lands around Benson to the rolling hills and lakes north on MN-29 is great. Continue on MN-29 to Starbuck for a sizable lake. Take some time and explore the back roads on and around the Glacial Ridge Trail. There are many hills, forests and lakes you can explore east up to New London. 

    We had an encounter with a pair of swans on the side of the road next to a lake. These are large beautiful birds! We stopped in the car, kept our distance, watched from inside of the car and enjoyed them before the slipped back into the lake.

  • JoAnn E.
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Cedar Lake Memorial Park

    Nice relaxing

    We stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves. Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend

  • Tiffany O.
    May. 31, 2021

    Swift Falls Co Park

    Great Campground

    We love camping here, reservations are easy, pet friendly, quiet area to relax!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    RiversEdge RV Park

    Great location! Quiet!

    This was such a great spot! The campground is so nice and quiet!

    Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN.

    • Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond
    • Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service -Concrete Patios on every lot -Crushed granite streets and drives Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River -Horseshoe and lawn games -Large pavilion provides for fun weekly events and activities -Laundry and shower facilities -Lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens -Pets Welcome -Electric golf carts welcome -Firewood available -Gracious owners live on-site
  • Joe S.
    Oct. 29, 2021

    A J Acres Campground

    Good Enough for our Needs

    We stayed here for a weekend in May. The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites. There are a lot of mature trees that help with the shade! The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee. If you want to walk the whole campground having a golf cart would be nice. Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website or the campground maps. We went there partly because there was a petting zoo for the little kids. Seems lazy to me that they can't update the website or the campground maps.

  • Gregory J.
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Pierz Park

    Too many kids driving golf carts.

    First the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

    Forest meets prairie

    This state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie. There are also local history connections. As a bird watcher, I was very excited to see birds here that I dont usually see at home in northern Minnesota, and to learn a bit more about glaciation in this area and about prairie and savannah habitats. The park has self guided hikes, educational nature programs, and learning kits for birding and more that you can check out at the ranger station. The lakeshore is pretty, and the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together, and the beachfront and bath house are currently closed for renovation which puts a damper on waterfront activities. Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open. The park’s camper cabins are located here and are in a very pretty setting tucked into a little hill, though a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showerhouse. At both campgrounds there are nice ADA sites which are level, spacious and accessible, and also close to the bathrooms. I was at a conference in nearby Willmar, and this park is a good alternative for lodging if you need to be in the area. If you are really into learning more about prairies and local glacial geology, the nearby Prairie Environmental Learning Center is fantastic to visit, and lots of prairie pothole WMAs are also closeby for waterfowl watching

  • J
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Games Lake County Park

    Great Land, best place to relax and play my fav video game

    Really happy to be able to see some pictures of this lovely place, enjoying with family and pet is one of the most entertaining experience in life. Also have had a good time playing with the D2R items of my favourite video game. Will come back in this zone in the future.


Guide to Melrose

Campers seeking accommodations near Melrose, Minnesota can access a variety of options within 25 miles of town. Situated in central Minnesota's Stearns County at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, this area features numerous lakes, rivers, and forests. Camping season typically runs from May through mid-October with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak months.

What to Do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Carlos State Park offers excellent fishing with several species available in the 2,600-acre lake. "The fishing pier at Sinclair Lewis provides a popular activity spot for campers," while at Lake Carlos State Park Campground, "You can apparently drive your boat right into a sandy shore and dock it."

Water recreation: Several locations feature swimming beaches with varying amenities. At Sinclair Lewis City Campground, you'll find "Public beach, splash pad, bike trail, and playground adjacent" according to reviewer Tori K. The campground also offers "kayak rental, lake access with boat ramp and docks."

Trail systems: Multiple parks provide walking and biking trails for outdoor exploration. Birch Lakes State Forest features hiking trails that can become wet after rainfall. One camper noted about the trails: "We really enjoyed staying in the walk-in camp site. It gave us a lot of privacy for our dogs. The only complaint is it does tend to be a bit wet. There were hiking trails that we ended up turning around on because they got too swampy."

What Campers Like

Quieter campgrounds: For those seeking peaceful settings, Birch Lake in Birch Lakes State Forest provides a more secluded experience. "If you like quiet/off the beaten path sites, this one is awesome. Walk in sites as well as drive in. Great (but small) swimming beach, large lake with great fishing available," writes Mike K.

Convenient town access: Some campsites offer proximity to local communities. Camp S'more Campground near Long Prairie provides "a nice quiet campground" that's "less than 1/8 mile from the Long Drive in," according to reviewer Charlie S. Another camper noted this campground is ideal for "a nice regional camping spot for families with kids or folks who would like a home base for day trips."

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high with campers. At Games Lake County Park, visitors appreciate the "Super clean facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of space for both tents and RVs." Another review mentions the "nice community center too" available at this campground.

What You Should Know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. Sinclair Lewis City Campground's season runs "from May 1st to October 1st each year, weather permitting." Some campers seek early season visits to "get water in everything and make sure there are no fun surprises after wintering the campers for 5 to 6 months."

Site privacy variations: Campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy between sites. At Cedar Lake Memorial Park, "We stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves." Lake Carlos State Park offers some sites that are "very open" while others are "more wooded and more suited for tents."

Booking requirements: Reservation systems vary by location. Many campgrounds require advance booking for holiday weekends. At Birch Lake State Forest, registration is "easy & self service. They have envelopes at the entrance you just fill out, so you can use any payment method including card if you're comfortable with that."

Tips for Camping with Families

Playground access: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Melrose include play equipment for children. At Sauk River City Park, families will find "a big playground, walks by the river, nice stone fire pit!" One camper noted the "large riverfront site with picnic table and fire ring provided" and mentioned additional amenities like "horseshoe pits, basketball court, sand volleyball court, disc golf, soccer fields, softball fields, picnic pavilions."

Water features for kids: Splash pads and beaches provide recreation options. At Sinclair Lewis City Campground, one visitor appreciated that "the campground has a playground, beach and splash pad. It was clean and well-kept." Another reviewer mentioned it's "a great location" with "lakefront sites available."

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer reasonable rates for family outings. Saukinac Campground provides "prices for site rental ($25 a night for tent sites, and $35 a night for RV's)" that "are probably lower than many area RV campgrounds." For camping with pets, Birch Lakes State Forest offers sites at $17 per night.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by location. Sinclair Lewis City Campground features "80 sites, 52 sites with full hookup which include water, sewer and electricity and 24 sites with water and electricity only and 4 primitive sites." Some campgrounds like Birch Lake State Forest offer no hookups for a more rustic experience.

Site size considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. At Sinclair Lewis, sites are "long enough for us to stay hooked up for an early departure." One visitor noted their site was "a pull through grass site with water and electric. Bonus- it had a view of the lake!"

Leveling requirements: Terrain varies between campgrounds, affecting setup needs. Some campers note that at certain parks, "Site was on a bit of a slope." At Sinclair Lewis City Campground, visitors appreciate that "our site was level and the length was long enough for us to stay hooked up for an early departure."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Melrose, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Melrose, MN is Sinclair Lewis City Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Melrose, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Melrose, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.